Date: Sunday, 7th October 2007
Suggested by: Christoph Seidlböck
Description: The intention of this technically easy but long hike is to go by train from Payerbach/Reichenau to Semmering and walk back the so-called Semmeringbahnwanderweg to Klamm (15km). From there we can take the train back to Payerbach/Reichenau where we can have a group dinner close to the car park and railway station.
This easy hike offers great views on viaducts of the Semmering Bahn – which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO - as well as onto Rax and Schneeberg. The mixture of woods along the way makes it usually a colourful, pictorial experience, especially this time of the year.
The fittest might like to continue from Klamm to Reichenau by foot which is an additional 8 km. I know this part of the trail as being by far not as beautiful as that until Klamm.
Length of activity, difficulty:
A full day's hike with a few short, steep ascents and long but most of the time gentle descents. The trail itself leads through the woods, along Forststraßen and a few remote Landstraßen. Nevertheless, 15km requires a solid base of physical fitness.
Meeting point and ending point:
Either Südbahnhof or Semmering railway station.
Car drivers may leave their car close to Payerbach/Reichenau railway station and join the train to Semmering. Train leaves at 08:09 from Payerbach/Reichenau and is scheduled to arrive at 08:37 at Semmering. It is advisable to plan some minutes to get the tickets at the railway station. Buying tickets on the train costs an extra € 10.
Meeting time: I usually travel by train and meet you therefore at Südbahnhof 06:30-06:40 at the ticket kiosk or at 08:40 at Semmering railway-station.
Ending time: Late afternoon to evening
Public Transportation:
Semmering is reachable by train from Vienna. Take train EC 531 IT Campus Kärnten from Vienna Südbahnhof (dep. 06:57) to Wr. Neustadt (arr. 07:30); should leave from platform 19. Change in Wr. Neustadt to R2957 towards Mürzzuschlag (dep. 07:35) to Semmering (arr. 08:37). The return trip from
Payerbach/Reichenau to Vienna leaves around 10 min. before each hour.
Driving Instructions: Leaving Vienna, follow A2 Südautobahn to Knoten Sebenstein (soon after Wr. Neustadt). Continue on S6 towards Semmering. After app. 15km, change to Höllental Bundesstrasse B27. Follow B27 until Payerbach railway station. Sufficient parking space should be available (you may have to pass by the station). Get a train ticket from Payerbach/Reichenau to Semmering.
Please be reminded that driving a car on Autobahn in Austria requires a valid Vignette for 2007 otherwise risking a penalty.
Car sharing: Please contact me if you can offer places or need places on a car; either at the October meeting or by phone (see below).
Recommended Equipment: Usual equipment for hikes of this distance and altitude. Bring good ankle-high (sport-)boots (hiking boots are not a must), warm clothes, water- and wind proofs, hat, gloves AND bring something to DRINK AS WELL AS A LUNCH PACKAGE ! At present, it is not clear if there is anything along the trail that will be open. Don't forget to bring any special medication if you need some.
Comments: Registration required either at October meeting or by phone. If there is any doubt about the weather, please contact me on the day before the hike.
Contact Information: Christoph Seidlböck, 0650 894 47 71